Hydraulic wheel drawbar



Aug. 8, 1961 w. v. LOHRMAN ET AL 2,995,385

HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAWBAR Filed Jan. 26, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 v NINVENTORS. 0 WILLIAM V. LOHRMAN xa WILLIAM E. KNAPP g ORNEYS Aug. 8,1961 w. v. LOHRMAN ET A]. 2,995,385

HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAWBAR Filed Jan. 26, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS.WILLIAM V. LOHRMAN WILLIAM E. KNAPP Wilt" ,TTORNEYS Aug- 8, 1961 w. v.LOHRMAN ETAL 2,995,385

HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAWBAR Filed Jan. 26, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.5

INVENTORS WILLIAM V. LOHRMAN B WILLIAM E. KNAPP 6% I TTORNEYS Aug. 8,1961 w. v. LOHRMAN ETAL 2,995,385

HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAW'BAR Filed Jan. 26, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS.WILLIAM V. LOHRMAN WILLIAM E. KNAPP TORNEYS A11g- 1961 w. v. LOHRMANETA]. 2,995,385

HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAWBAR 5 Shets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 26, 1959 INVENTORS.WILLIAM V. LOHRMAN WILLIAM E. KNAPP TIORNEYS United States Patent ccPatented Aug. 8, 1961 2,995,385 HYDRAULIC WHEEL DRAWBAR William V.Lohrman, Davenport, Iowa, and William E.

Knapp, Los Angeles, Calif., assignors to Deere & Company, Moline, Ill.,a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 26, 1959, Ser. No. 788,827 12Claims. (Cl. 280-412) This invention relates generally to agriculturalimplements and more particularly to wheeled folding drawbar supports ofthe type to which a plurality of units, such as spike tooth harrowsections, for example, may be connected in side-by-side relation toprovide an implement that works a relatively wide strip of ground.

The object of and general nature of this invention is the provision ofan improved means for supporting the outer sections of the foldingdrawbar so as to facilitate bringing the latter into and out of workingand transport positions with a minimum of manual effort. Morespecifically, it is an important feature of this invention to providemeans operated in conjunction with associated hydraulic drawbar rockingmeans whereby the wheels for the outer end-s of the folding sections maybe disposed for operation either in a widespread position or foroperation in the trailing or transport position in which the width ofthe implement is substantially narrowed to facilitate passage along thehighways, through narrow lanes, gates and the like.

Specifically, the present invention contemplates the provision of awheel mounting in the form of a wheel axle receiving bearing memberswingably connected with the outer end of the associated outer drawbarmember, with means positively holding the axle bearing member in any oneof three optional positions, one holding the associated ground wheel ina position facilitating forward travel during normal operation inWidespread position, a second position positively holding the groundwheel in a position facilitating travel during transport, during whichtime the outer bar sections are folded into substantially parallel foreand aft extending positions, and a third position in which the wheel isdisposed at a slight angle relative to the direction of travel duringtransport, whereby the outer bars may readily be shifted from a trailingor transport position outwardly into their widespread or operatingposition by backing the tractor which propels the implement.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a wheel carriedhydraulic drawbar support in its working position in which the outerbars are arranged in their widespread or laterally outwardly extendingrelation with the outer end of the outer bars supported on a pair ofground wheels.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the supporting wheelsand its mounting structure connected with the outer end of theassociated outer bar, the parts being shown in the positions they occupywhen arranged for operation as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the field transport position of thedrawbar, the outer bars and the associated wheels being shifted byhydraulic power through approximately 45 from the position shown in FIG.1 so as to raise the associated harrow sections entirely off the ground.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the outer wheel turned andshifted into a position parallel with the associated support bar butwhile the latter is still supported on an associated stand.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the harrow sections raisedthrough substantially with the outer ends of the outer bars supported onthe outer ground wheels so that when the operator drives forward theouter bars will be swung pivotally into a trailing or narrow transportposition.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of a hydraulic lifting unit, showing thesame in the position it occupies when holding the Working implementunits in their field transport position.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the wheel supported drawbarof this invention when disposed in its road or transport position,portions being omitted for purposes of clarity.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the adjustable groundwheels arranged in its position extending at a slight angle to theassociated outer bar so that, when the outfit backed in its roadtransport position (FIG. 7), the angle of the ground wheels will causethe outer bars to be swung laterally outwardly until they are disposedin alignment with the center bars in their widespread position, similarto that of FIG. 1.

Referring first to FIG. 1, the principles of this invention have beenillustrated as incorporated in a wheel supported folding drawbararrangement particularly adapted to carry five spring tooth harrowsections, each indicated by the reference numeral 10, the harrowsections 10 being conventional so far as the principles of thisinvention are concerned. The folding drawbar arrangement shown in FIG. 1incorporates a wheeled carriage 11 that includes a pair of laterallyspaced apart forwardly converging frame members 12, the front end ofwhich are provided with hitch means 13 to which a tractor, representedby the tractor drawbar 14 (FIGS. 3 and 7), may be connected in the usualway. The carriage 11 is supported on spaced apart wheels 15 and fromFIG. 1 it will be seen that frame members 12 extend rearwardly beyondthe Wheels 15 and carry vertically extending apertured lugs 16 to whicha rockable central transversely disposed bar 17 is connected, as bypairs of apertured lugs 18, with a pivot pin 19 hingedly connecting eachpair of lugs 18 with the associated apertured frame section 16. Thewheel axle 55 carrying the wheels 15 is fixed to the frame members 12 byany suitable means. When the front end of the carriage 11 is hitched tothe tractor 14, the carriage is supported at its rear portion on thewheels 15 and at its forward portion on the tractor, thereby providing astable arrangement.

The tractor 14 (FIG. 3) is equipped with the usual hydraulic poweroperated lift mechanism and includes a remote ram unit 20 connected intothe tractor hydraulic system by a pair of hose lines 21. For purposes ofclarity, the unit 20 has been omitted in FIG. 1. The mounting of theunit 20 and associated connections will be described in detail below,and therefore it will suffice for the present to note that at this pointby utilizing the unit 20, the center drawbar section 17 may be rockedabout a transverse axis, as defined by the pins 19, from a working orlowered position, shown in FIG. '1, through substantially 45 so as tolift the associated implement units 10 off the ground (FIG. 3), and thenthrough another 45 to raise the units 10 into a substantially verticalposition as indicated fragmentarily in FIG. 5.

The outer drawbar members are indicated at 25 in FIG. 1 and in theirworking positions these members extend axially outwardly and insubstantially alignment with the center power-operated drawbar member17, the outer bars 25 being connected with the center bar 17 throughuniversal joint connections indicated at 26, such articulated jointmeans being conventional so far as this invention is concerned. In theWorking or laterally outwardly extended position, the outer portions ofthe outer bars 25 are reinforced by braces in the form of truss bars 28.As best shown in FIG. 2, the outer end of each truss bar 28 is providedwith an attaching plate 31 that is apertured to receive a quickdetachable pin 32 connecting the part 31 with a pair of apertured lugs33 that are fixed to the adjacent portion of the associated outer bar25. The inner end (FIG. 3) of each truss bar 28 is apertured to receivea quick detachable pin 35 that connects the bar to an apertured lug 36carried by the adjacent frame member 12. A plurality of openings 37 ineach lug 36 provide for optional connection of the truss bars 28 to thecarriage 11 so as to provide some ad justment for the outer bars intheir extended or Working position. The center bar -17 and the outerbars 25 carry intermediate supporting arms 41, each member 41 comprisingan angle bent into suitable formation and apertured to receive clampingU-bolts 42. Each set of arms 41 is fixed to the associated bar indifferent positions of adjustment along the bar, depending upon the sizeand character of implement units connected therewith. Preferably, asshown in FIG. 1, the rear ends of the bars 41 are provided withsupporting chains 44 that extend from the bars generally to the centralportions of the associated units whereby when the drawbar members 17 and25 are raised, as by operation of the power unit 20, the implement units10 are raised, as to the position shown in FIG. 3 or to the positionshown in FIG. 5. Draft is applied to the implement units, such as theharrow sections 10 shown in FIG. 1, by pairs of pull chains 47connectible with the forward portions of the associated implement units10 and with hitch brackets 48 clamped to the associated bars 17 and 25by the associated clamping bolts 42.

The articulated drawbar means 17, 25 is adapted to be rocked from anormal working position, FIG. 1, through approximately 45 to a fieldtransport position, FIG. 3, in which the several implement units 10 arelifted off the ground. However, in this field transport position theouter bars 25 and the associated implement units are still in theirwidespread position, but the implement may readily be turned ormaneuvered, provided there is suificient space to do so. Also, theimplement may, if desired, and if there is adequate space, betransported in this position from place to place, but in view of theextra width of the implement when arranged in this way, which may beundesirable where maneuvering in relatively confined space is required,provision is made for additionally rocking the drawbar means 17, 25through another 45 so as to raise the arms 41 substantially to avertical position as shown in FIG. 5. The wheeled drawbar may now benarrowed for transport through gates, along roads and lanes, etc., bythe following steps. First, the truss bars 28 are disconnected, afterwhich the outer bars 25 may swing about one of their universal jointaxes rearwardly into a folded or transport position, as by driving theimplement forwardly a short distance from the position shown in FIG. 5.The universal joints 26 are so arranged that when the section 17 isrocked through 90 by the operation of the power unit 20, the universaljoint pivots 26a are substantially vertical, which permits the outerbars 25 to swing horizontally rearwardly from the position shown in FIG.to the position shown in FIG. 7.

New and improved means have been provided for mounting the tractor powercylinder 20 on the carriage 11 so as to utilize the full capacity of theunit 20 for raising the implements to each of the two stages mentionedabove. The cylinder mounting means will now be described.

The apertured lugs 36 (FIG. 3) mentioned above form a part of atransverse bar 50 that is securely fixed, as by bolts or the like, tothe lower flanges of the forward portions of the frame members 12. Thelatter members are in the form of channels having their upper and lowerflanges extending laterally inwardly, and the lower flanges areapertured to receive the above mentioned bar-attaching bolts. A pair ofelongated vertical plates 52 and 5 3 are fixed at the forward ends tothe general central portion of the transverse bar 50 and the rear endsof the plates 52 and 53 are fixed to the generally central portion ofthe axle 55 which may take the form of a transverse pipe member, onwhich the wheels 15 are journalled. The two plates 52 and 53 are fixedto the carriage with a space between the plates so as to provide for thereception of the cylinder-supporting arms therebetween. One of thecylinder-supporting arms is indicated at 56 and is mounted for pivotalmovement at its lower end on a transverse pivot 58. The upper end of thearm 56 extends beyond the plates 52 and 53 and the upper portion isapertured to receive a pivot member 59 that connects the forward orpiston end 60 of the unit 20 to the arm 56. Below the pivot 59 the arm56 is apertured to receive a cross pin 61 to which a pair of lift bars62 are pivotally connected. The bars 62 extend divergently rearwardly toreceive a transverse reinforcing crosspiece 63 and the rear ends of thebars 62 are provided with bifurcated portions 64 that are apertured toreceive pivot pins 65 by which the bars 62 are connected to arms 67 thatare welded to the end portions of the center drawbar member 17. Thus,rocking the forward arm or lever 56 servies to rock the drawbar 17 andthe associated end bars 25 for raising and lowering the associatedimplement units '10. The optionally operable means that is provided forholding the arm 56 in different positions, as necessary to provide thetwo-stage operation mentioned above, will be described below.

The rear portions of the plate members 52 and 53 are apertured toreceive a pin 71 on which the lower apertured end of the rearcylinder-receiving arm 72 is mounted. The arm 72 is apertured at itsuppermost end to receive a quick attachable pin 73 that attaches therear or cylinder end of the unit 20 to the arm 72. A rear stop 75 iswelded in between plates 52 and 53 and is disposed in a position tolimit the rearward swinging of the arm 72 when the parts are raised asshown in FIG. 3, the stop 75 serving as an abutment against which theunit 20 may operate to shift the forward arm 56 fromthe position shownin FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 3, which movement of the arm 56and links 62 serves to rock the drawbar 17, 25 through approximately 45and thus raises the implement units 10 off the ground. In moving the arm56 to the position just mentioned, the unit 20 has extended its fullpredetermined amount, and this is sufficient to shift the arm- 56 aslight distance forwardly of a pair of openings 77 (FIG. 3) in theforward positions of the plates 52 and 53. A pin 78 may now be disposedin the openings 77 after which retraction of the unit 20 acts againstthe pin 78 as an abutment to swing the rear arm 72 forwardly tosubstantially the position shown in FIG. 6, this being an idle movementso far as raising or lowering the implement units 10 is concerned. Theaforesaid forward movement of the rear arm 72 carries the latter into aposition substantially in contact with an abutment or stop 79 that isfixed to the plates 52 and 53 a distance forward of the rear stop 75.The movement on the arm 72 up against the stop 79 disposes the arm 72 ina position slightly ahead of the pair of openings 81 formed in theplates 52 and 53 so that a pin, such as pin 82 shown in FIG. 5, may nowbe disposed in the openings 81 to serve as an abutment preventing therearward movement of the arm 72. Extension of the power unit 20, whenthe pin 82 is in place as shown in FIG. 5, results in an additionalforward swinging of the front or arm 56 which imparts an additional 45movement to the drawbar sections 17 and 25, as shown in FIG. 5, swingingthe units 10 up to their substantially vertical position. The arm 56 maybe locked in this position by disposing the forward pin 78 in anadditional set of openings 84 (FIG. 6). The pins 78 in this positionserve as a positive lock for holding the implement units in theirelevated position. The cylinder 20 may now be slightly retracted torelieve pressure on the pivot pins 59 and 73, the openings 81 beingdisposed relative to the stop 79 so that there is a slight amount oflost motion available for the arms 72. The cylinder 20 may then beremoved and the implement units 10 held in the vertical position (FIG.by the lock-up pin 78.

For road transport it is necessary to have the normally outwardlyextending drawbar sections 25 swung backwardly into a folded or trailingposition (FIG. 7) and in order to accomplish this easily and quickly thepresent invention contemplates a new and improved outer wheel mountingthat makes it possible to shift the outer gauge wheels from theirworking position (FIG. 1) into a position accommodating transport of thedr-awbars 25 in a trailing or folded position. The outer gauge wheelsandtheir mounting means will now be described.

FIG. 2 shows the right hand bar supporting an outrigger wheel in itsnormal working position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 1,and the mounting mechanism for the outer or gauge Wheels, with which thepresent invention is particularly concerned, will now be described.

Each of the outer or gauge wheels is indicated by the reference numeral90 and is shown as journaled on a stub axle means 91 bolted to an axlestandard bar 92. The forward or upper end of the bar, which is square incross section, is received in a laterally swingable axle bearing member94 carrier by suitable mounting means 95 on the adjacent outer endportion of the associated bar 25. The member 94 includes a sleevesection 97 shaped to non-rotatably receive the wheel standard 92 but thelatter is slidably disposed within the sleeve section 97 and is held indifferent positions therein by means of a locking pin 98 that isinsertable in the openings in the upper portion of the sleeve section 97and a selected opening 99 in the standard 92. The axle bearing member 94is provided with a pair of apertured lugs 102 that are swingable on across pin 103 carried in apertured 'lugs 104 formed on the supportmember 95 that is adjustably fixed by U-bolts clamps 107 to theassociated bar 25.

The axle bearing member 94 and the wheel 90 and associated parts areheld in their normal working position (FIG. 1) in which the wheels 90support the outer ends of the bars 25 for generally vertical movementrelative to the central carriage 11, by means of a U-shaped lookingmember 111 having one end 112 inserted in an opening in an apertured lug113 carried on the member 94, the other end 116 of the locking member111 being inserted in an inner set of openings 117 (FIG. 8) formed inapertured lug means 121 carried by or formed on the support member 95.

With the wheels 90 and associated parts locked in the position justdescribed, whenever the rockable bars 17 and 25 are rocked by extensionof the power unit 20, the implement units 10 are raised and the wheels90 lowered, thereby raising the outer end portions of the outer bars 25.By virtue of the double operation of the power unit 20, described above,the bars 17, 25 can be rocked through substantially 90, it beingunderstood that the braces 28 are removed before this action takesplace. However, if the bars 17, 25 are to be rocked only through 45, itis not necessary to remove the braces 28 as will be clear from FIG. 3,since the outer end of the braces are pivotally connected at 32 with theassociated bars 25. Assuming, however, that the implement is to beraised into the position shown in FIG. 5 for transport, and the outerbars and associated implement units are to swing rearwardly into anarrowed position for transport, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the followingoperations are performed in substantially the order named.

First, the braces 28 are detached and laid on the carriage frame 12 andthen the power unit 20 is operated to swing the bars 17, 25 throughapproximately 45, bringing the bars 25 and gauge wheels 90 substantiallyto the position shown in FIG. 3, in which the outer ends of the bar 25are raised by virtue of the downward move ment of the gauge wheelsrelative thereto. Stands are then placed under the outer ends of the bar25, one of such stands being indicated at S in FIG. 4. After the standsare placed under the bars 25, the power unit 20 is operated to lower theimplement units 10, thus raising the wheels 90 upwardly and permittingthe outer ends of the bar 25 to be supported on the associated stands S.

The next operation to be performed is to take out the U-shaped lockingpin 111 and the pin 98, as shown in FIG. 2, after which each wheel 90may be manually swung through approximately 90 over into the positionshown in FIG. 4 parallel to the associated bar 25, it being understoodthat the bars 25 are supported on the stands S at this time. Swingingthe wheel 90 over into the position shown in FIG. 4 brings the aperturedend of the lug 113 in line with the apertures 117 in the lug means 121,and insertion of the long end 116 of the locking pin 111 into theregistering openings serves to lock the bearing number 94 in its newposition (FIG. 4) with the wheel 90 occupying a position in a planeparallel to the associated bar 25. Also, the wheel standard 92 isshifted forwardly and the pin 98 inserted in the sleeve 94 and throughthe lower opening 99 (FIG. 2) in the wheel standard 92. Next, the powerunit 20 is operated to swing the bars 17, 25 through an additional 45,bringing the implement supporting arms 41 substantially into a verticalposition, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This movement of the bars 25 swingsthe gauge wheels 90, now disposed parallel to the bars 25, into a lowerposition (FIG. 5) and since the wheels 90 are forward of the axis ofrocking of the bars 17, 25, the outer ends of the bar 25 are raised ofithe stands S, whereupon the latter may be removed. The parts are nowarranged as shown in FIG. 5 from which it will be seen that driving theimplement forwardly will automatically cause the outer ends of the bars25 and associated parts to swing rearwardly toward one another until thewheels 90 are in a generally fore and aft extending position, as shownin FIG. 7, the outer wheels 90 trailing behind the carriage wheels 15.If desired, suitable means may be provided for locking the right andleft hand bars 25 together in a trailing position (FIG. 7), butpreferably the wheels 90 are arranged to have a slight toe-in andtherefore under most conditions interconnecting means are not required.

When moving the outfit in trailing transport position (FIG. 7) it isdesirable to relieve the hydraulic system of all unnecessary loads, andto this end the locking pin 78 is disposed as shown in FIG. 5, holdingthe arm 56 in its forwardrnost position which locks the center orcarriage drawbar 17 in the position shown in FIG. 5 and the bars 27 inthe positions shown in FIG. 7.

When it is desired to restore the implement to its operating orwidespread position it is preferable to shift the ground wheels or gaugewheels 90 from the positions shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 into the positionshown in FIG. 8. This is done by first removing each locking pin 111from the associated openings 117 in the lug means 121, grasping theassociated gauge wheel 90 and shifting the same about a generallyvertical axis a small amount suflicient to carry the apertured end ofthe lug 113 outwardly to a point alined with an outer set of openings125, and then inserting the end of the pin 111 in the alined openings,as shown in FIG. 8, thus locking the wheels 90 in a rearwardly divergingposition. With the wheels 90 in this position, the outfit may then behacked and the wheels 90 will automatically cause the bars 25 to beswung laterally outwardly and around into a position alined laterallywith the center or carriage-supported bar 17. The stands may then bereinstalled underneath the outer ends of the arm 25, the cylinder orpower unit 20 operated, after the locking pin 78 (FIG. 5) have beenremoved, to rock the bars 25 around substantially into the positionshown in FIG. 4, after which the wheels may be brought back to theposition shown in FIG. 2

by a substantial reverse of the operations described above. Then byrocking the bars 17, 25 downwardly, the outer ends are again supportedon the wheels 90 and the stands may be removed.

While we have shown and described above the preferred structure in whichthe principles of this invention have been incorporated, it is to beunderstood that our invention is not to be limited to the particularmeans, shown and described above, but that, in fact, widely differentmeans may be employed in the practice of the broader aspects of ourinvention.

What we claim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

*1. A foldable drawbar for agricultural implements comprising a wheeledcarrier frame, a transversely disposed articulated drawbar memberrockably mounted on said carrier frame, said member including a centerbar supported on said frame and outer bars carried at their inner endson said center bar and adjustable ground wheel means supporting theouter ends of said outer bars and said wheel means including a wheelaxle having a spindle, a ground wheel journaled on said spindle, an axlebearing including a sleeve section slidably receiving said axle, meansswingably connecting said axle bearing to the outer end portion of theassociated outer bar for movement relative thereto about an axis that isdisposed transversely of said associated outer bar, and means lockingsaid axle bearing to said outer bar in any one of a plurality ofoptional positions about said transverse axis.

2. In a foldable drawbar including a drawbar shaft comprising a centersection and an outer section, the im provement comprising an axlebearing pivoted to said outer section for movement relative theretoabout a transverse axis, an axle slidable in said axle bearing andcarrying a spindle, a ground wheel journalcd on said spindle, said axlebeing disposed non-rotatably in said axle bearing and swingable with thelatter about said transverse axis for movement between a first positionin which the plane of said ground wheel lies generally parallel withsaid outer section to a second position in which the plane of said wheellies generally perpendicular to said outer section and means fixing saidaxle bearing in a position intermediate said first and second positionsand making an acute angle with said outer section.

3. In a foldable drawbar including a rockable drawbar shaft comprising acenter section and an outer section, the improvement comprising an axlebearing pivoted to said outer section for movement relative theretoabout a transverse axis and including a sleeve section of noncircularcross section, an axle also non-circular in cross section and slidablein said sleeve section and carrying a spindle, a ground wheel journaledon said spindle, and means fixing said axle bearing to said outersection in a position such that the plane of said ground wheel lies atan acute angle with said outer section.

4. In a foldable drawbar for agricultural implements, a wheeled carrierframe, an articulated drawbar means rockable on said frame and includinga center bar and outer bars swingable horizontally between a firstlaterally outwardly extending position and a second rearwardly trailingposition, a ground wheel unit connected with the outer portion of eachouter bar, and means fixing each ground wheel unit to the outer end ofthe associated outer bar in a position at an acute angle relative to theassociated outer bar so that when the outer bars are in said trailingposition, the planes of the ground wheels extending diverginglyrearwardly and serve to swing said bars laterally outwardly when thecarrier frame and drawbar means are backed.

5. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement inwhich the bar is rotatable through 90 from one position to another andin which the wheel support is adapted to carry the outer end of said barin either of its positions, said wheel support comprising an attachmentmember, means connected therewith to fix the member to said bar, an axlebearing hingedly connected therewith for swinging about a hinge axisthrough a wheel axle slidably but non-rotatably connected therewith, anda ground wheel journaled on said wheel axle.

6. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement inwhich the bar is rotatable through 90 from one position to another andin which the wheel sup port is adapted to carry the outer end of saidbar in either of its positions, said wheel support comprising anattachment member, clamping means connected with said attachment memberand attachable at different points along said bar to said bar, an axlebearing hingedly connected therewith for swinging about a hinge axisthrough 90, a wheel axle slidably but non-rotatably connected therewith,and a ground wheel journaled on said wheel axle.

7. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement inwhich the bar is rotatable through 90 from one position to another andin which the wheel support is adapted to carry the outer end of said barin either of its positions, said wheel support comprising an attachmentmember, means connected therewith to fix the member to said bar, an axlebearing having a pair of spaced apart apertured lugs, correspondinglyspaced apart apertured lugs on said attachment member, a hinge pinextending through said lugs for hingedly connecting said axle bearing tosaid attachment member for swinging movement relative to said attachmentmember through 90, a wheel axle slidable but non-rotatably connectedwith said axle bearing, a ground wheel journaled on said wheel axle, andmeans fixing said axle bearing in selected positions about said hingeaxis.

8. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement,said wheel support comprising an attachment member, means connectedtherewith to fix the member to said bar, an axle bearing hingedlyconnected therewith for swinging about a hinge axis and including anapertured portion, a ground wheel carried by said axle bearing, anapertured lug on said attachment member, and a locking pin having an endportion insertible in the apertures in said lug and the aperturedportion of said bearing and dimensioned to hold said axle bearing in aposition disposing said wheel in a given position relative to saidoutrigger bar, said apertured lug being constructed and arranged so thatthe apertures come into registry when said pin is removed and said axlebearing swung through 90 to dispose said wheel at a right angle relativeto said given position, and means insertible in said registeringapertures to lock said axle bearing against swinging relative to saidattachment member.

9. The invention set forth in claim 8, further characterized by saidlast mentioned means comprising a portion of said locking pin.

10. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implementsaid wheel support comprising an attachment member, means connectedtherewith to fix the member to said bar, an axle bearing hingedlyconnected therewith for swinging about a hinge axis, a ground wheelcarried by said axle bearing, an apertured lug on said axle bearing, anapertured lug on said attachment member, and a locking pin having endportions insertible in the apertures in said lugs and dimensioned tohold said axle bearing in a position disposing said wheel in a givenposition relative to said outrigger bar, auxiliary apertured means onsaid attachment member adapted to register with the apertured lug onsaid axle bearing when the latter is swung about said hinge axis to aposition making a relatively small acute angle relative to said bar, andmeans insertible in said registering apertures to lock said axle bearingagainst swinging relative to said attachment member.

11. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement inwhich said outrigger bar is shiftable through 90 about its longitudinalaxis, said wheel support comprising an attachment member, meansconnected therewith to fix the member to one side of said bar, an axlebearing hingedly connected therewith for swinging about a hinge axisextending transversely of said bar and parallel to the plane of said oneside thereof, a wheel axle connected with said axle bearing andshiftable longitudinally of said axle bearing and swingable therewiththrough said 90, a ground wheel journaled on said wheel axle, meansconnected between said axle bearing and said attachment member forholding said axle bearing and said wheel in different positions aboutsaid hinge axis, and means holding said wheel axle in differentpositions longitudinally of said axle bearing.

12. A wheel support for an outrigger bar of an agricultural implement inwhich the bar is rotatable through 90 from one position to another andin which the wheel support is adapted to carry the outer end of said barin either of its positions, said wheel support comprising an attachmentmember, means connected therewith to fix the member to said bar, an axlebearing hingedly connected therewith for swinging through 90 about ahinge axis extending transversely of said outrigger bar, said axis beinggenerally horizontal in one position of said bar and generally verticalin another position of said bar, a wheel axle connected with said axlebearing and swingable therewith about said hinge axis relative to saidoutrigger bar, a ground wheel journaled on said wheel axle, said wheelaxle also being shiftable in said axle bearing in a direction generallyparallel with said hinge axis, whereby when said axle bearing is swunginto a position to dispose said ground wheel in a plane parallel to saidoutrigger bar said wheel may be shifted bodily relative to saidoutrigger bar, means connected with said axle bearing and saidattachment member for holding said wheel against movement about saidhinge axis, and means fixing said wheel axle in different positions insaid axle bearing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,963,426 Taylor June 19, 1934 2,518,303 Godley et al. Aug. 8, 19502,750,724 Stephenson June 19, 1956 2,778,182 Malmgren Jan. 22, 19572,800,758 Schmied July 30, 1957 2,901,268 Christensen Aug. 25, 1959

